Top 10 Mood-Boosting Foods – Eat Your Way to Happiness!
By Contributing Writer Kayley
Office workers getting bossed around every day naturally feel low? Besides working out, listening to music, or chatting with friends, food can also lift your mood! Studies show that certain foods can increase serotonin (the “happy hormone”), helping you feel more balanced and less down. Check out these top 10 anti-depression foods, with tasty picks from Hong Kong and worldwide!
- Dark Chocolate 🍫
(Happiness Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Dark chocolate has phenylethylamine (PEA), which helps your brain release dopamine—the same feel-good chemical you get when you’re in love! Go for chocolate with 70% cocoa or more to avoid too much sugar.
Hong Kong Picks: Dark chocolate cake, chocolate French toast
Global Favorites: Cocoa drinks, dark chocolate mousse
- Salmon 🐟
(Happiness Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, salmon helps your brain work better, eases anxiety, and fights off the blues. Bonus: It’s great for your heart, too!
Hong Kong Picks: Salmon sashimi, salmon chazuke (tea over rice)
Global Favorites: Grilled salmon, smoked salmon
- Banana 🍌
(Happiness Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Bananas are packed with tryptophan, which helps your body produce serotonin and feel more relaxed. They’re also high in vitamin B6, which is excellent for emotional balance.
Hong Kong Picks: Banana French toast, banana milkshake
Global Favorites: Banana oatmeal, banana peanut butter sandwich
- Green Tea 🍵
(Happiness Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)
L-theanine in green tea calms the mind and promotes focus, while antioxidants like catechins protect brain health.
Hong Kong Picks: Matcha latte, Hong Kong-style milk green tea
Global Favorites: Japanese matcha, classic green tea from the UK
- Nuts & Seeds 🌰
(Happiness Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Almonds, walnuts, and cashews are packed with healthy fats, magnesium, and zinc—all of which help reduce stress hormone levels and promote a sense of calm.
Hong Kong Picks: Walnut soup, almond tea
Global Favorites: Mixed nut snacks, pistachio milk
- Oats 🌾
(Happiness Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)
A slow-digesting, low-GI grain, oats keep your blood sugar stable and help sustain mood. They also support serotonin production.
Hong Kong Picks: Oat milk coffee, oat porridge
Global Favorites: Oat bars, oat smoothies
- Yogurt 🥛
(Happiness Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Gut health = good mood! Probiotics in yogurt support your digestive system and can ease anxiety and depression.
Hong Kong Picks: Mango yogurt, probiotic drinks
Global Favorites: Greek yogurt, Korean-style yogurt drinks
- Spinach 🥬
(Happiness Rating: ⭐⭐⭐)
Spinach is rich in folate and magnesium—both known to reduce stress and help you relax. A folate deficiency can affect your mood, so leafy greens are a must!
Hong Kong Picks: Spinach soup, garlic spinach stir-fry
Global Favorites: Spinach and cheese Fritata, spinach salad
- Eggs 🥚
(Happiness Rating: ⭐⭐⭐)
Eggs are a great source of vitamin D, which helps regulate mood. Plus, they’re high in protein to keep you energized and beat fatigue.
Hong Kong Picks: Soft-boiled s eggs, tea eggs
Global Favorites: Omelets, eggs benedict
- Chili Peppers 🌶️
(Happiness Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which triggers your brain to release endorphins—the feel-good chemical released after a good workout. They also boost your metabolism!
Hong Kong Picks: Chili oil wontons, spicy hot pot
Global Favorites: Jalapeños, Korean kimchi
Feeling stressed or low? Try these mood-boosting foods!
Pair them with exercise, restful sleep, and a little sunshine to lift your spirits from the inside out. And when it comes to feel-good food, La Casa has you covered—not only a treat for the eyes, but every bite is crafted to please the senses and soothe the soul. Indulge in mood-enhancing favorites like:
- Smoked Salmon, Bacon & Egg Caesar Salad
- Veggie Cups with Hummus
- Linguini with Smoked Salmon, Zucchini & Dill Cream Sauce
- Raspberry Chocolate Cups
Let food be your happy place. Contact the professional team at La Casa and treat yourself to meals that feed both body and mood! Learn More: https://lacasacatering.com/mix-and-match-menu/